Kaltmiete & Warmmiete

When renting in Germany, you will encounter two rent figures:

• Kaltmiete (cold rent): The base rent without any utility costs
• Warmmiete (warm rent): The total rent including Nebenkosten (utility costs like heating, water, garbage, and building maintenance)

Warmmiete = Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten

Nebenkosten typically add €2-3 per m² to the base rent. Important: Warmmiete usually does not include electricity and internet — those are separate contracts you arrange yourself.

When comparing apartments, always compare Warmmiete. The Kaution (security deposit) is calculated based on Kaltmiete — maximum 3 months' Kaltmiete.